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New book discusses Detroit race relations

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The last few years have brought significant changes to the city of Detroit. A financial emergency was declared, and despite opposition from residents and the city council, a financial manager was appointed. And just this month, Mayor Dave Bing announced he would step down from office at the end of his term—and a crowded field of new candidates announced their intentions.

MSU professor of geography and former dean of Urban Affairs Programs Joe Darden is the co-author of the book “Detroit: Race Riots, Racial Conflicts, and Efforts To Bridge the Racial Divide.”

Darden joined Current State to discuss the book, which focuses on the complex history of Detroit with a focus on race relations around and after the 1967 riots, and with some ideas about the city’s future.

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